Prest-O Change-O

Plot

Two curious puppies escape from a dog catcher's wagon and seek refuge in an old, isolated house that turns out to belong to a magician. Inside, they encounter a mischievous rabbit who uses the magician's wand to create chaos, transforming objects and manipulating the environment to toy with the puppies. The canine duo are subjected to a series of magical transformations and surreal situations as the rabbit demonstrates his command over the house's enchanted properties. Throughout their ordeal, the puppies attempt to navigate the increasingly bizarre circumstances while trying to avoid further trouble. The short culminates in a frantic magical showdown that showcases the rabbit's powers and the puppies' determination to survive their supernatural predicament.

Historical Background

1939 was a pivotal year in world history and cinema. The film was released just months before the outbreak of World War II in Europe, during a period when American audiences were seeking escapist entertainment. In the animation industry, 1939 represented a peak of creativity and technical innovation, with Disney's 'Snow White' having recently proved that animation could be a serious art form. Warner Bros. animation studio was competing fiercely with Disney and MGM, developing their own style of fast-paced, irreverent comedy. The film industry was transitioning from the Production Code's strict enforcement to a period where more sophisticated themes could be explored, even in animated shorts. The Great Depression was ending, and theaters were experiencing renewed attendance, making theatrical shorts like this one valuable programming for cinema owners.

Making Of

The production of 'Prest-O Change-O' took place during a formative period at Warner Bros. animation studio, when Chuck Jones was still developing his distinctive directorial style. The animation team worked under the supervision of producer Leon Schlesinger, who gave his directors considerable creative freedom. The magical elements in the film required innovative animation techniques, including the use of multiple exposure photography and careful timing of transformation sequences. Mel Blanc recorded his voice tracks in a single session, creating distinct characterizations for each role. The musical score was composed by Carl Stalling, who was renowned for his ability to synchronize classical and popular music cues with on-screen action. The animation team faced challenges in creating believable magical effects using the limited technology available in 1939, relying on careful drawing and timing rather than optical effects.

Visual Style

The film utilized standard cel animation techniques of the late 1930s, with characters and backgrounds painted on separate cels to create depth and movement. The magical transformation sequences required careful planning and execution, with animators using multiple exposure techniques and rapid cel changes to create smooth metamorphosis effects. The cinematography emphasized contrast and movement, with dynamic camera angles that enhanced the chaotic magical elements. The use of shadows and lighting effects was particularly notable in the house scenes, creating an atmosphere of mystery and supernatural activity.

Innovations

The film featured several technical innovations for its time, particularly in the execution of magical transformation sequences. The animation team developed new techniques for showing objects changing shape and form, using multiple cel layers and careful timing to create smooth transitions. The synchronization of character movement with musical cues was particularly sophisticated, reflecting the studio's growing technical expertise. The use of perspective and depth in the house scenes demonstrated advances in background painting techniques that would become standard in the industry.

Music

The musical score was composed by Carl Stalling, Warner Bros.' legendary musical director who pioneered the use of synchronized music in animation. Stalling incorporated popular songs of the era along with classical music excerpts, creating a rich audio landscape that complemented the on-screen action. The sound effects were created by the studio's team using innovative techniques for the time, including recording actual magical props and manipulating audio speeds. Mel Blanc's vocal performance added another layer to the soundtrack, with his ability to create distinct character voices enhancing the film's comedic impact.

Memorable Scenes

• The sequence where the rabbit transforms various household objects to confuse and trap the puppies, showcasing increasingly elaborate magical effects that build to a chaotic climax of flying furniture and shifting architecture.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for theatrical shorts was limited, as they were typically reviewed as part of the overall theater program rather than as individual works. Trade publications like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter generally noted the technical quality of Warner Bros. animation during this period. Modern animation historians and critics recognize 'Prest-O Change-O' as an important early work in Chuck Jones' filmography, showing the beginnings of his sophisticated timing and character animation techniques. The film is appreciated by animation enthusiasts for its historical value and as an example of the studio's output during its golden age.

What Audiences Thought

Theatrical audiences in 1939 typically received Warner Bros. animated shorts enthusiastically, as they provided comic relief between feature presentations. The fast-paced action and visual gags in 'Prest-O Change-O' would have appealed to both children and adults in the audience. The magical elements and transformation sequences were particularly popular with viewers of all ages. Modern audiences encountering the film through retrospectives and home media releases generally appreciate it as a historical artifact and an example of classic animation techniques.

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